Lamp Guard with Segmented Base Plate and Hinged Cage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp guards do not effectively protect exposed wires in outlet boxes during construction, as they are not designed for temporary installation on outlet boxes or plaster rings, and they do not allow for easy access and replacement of light fixtures before permanent installation.
Innovation Solution
A lamp guard that can be rapidly installed over an open outlet box or plaster ring, securing medium base light sockets and protecting exposed wires, with a design that allows for easy removal and replacement of light fixtures without requiring tools, and is reusable to minimize waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lamp guard is designed to snap onto the socket portion of an installed lamp holder, then the lamp guard can protect the lamp, but it cannot cover exposed wires in the outlet box or hold the light socket within the box
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp guard is divided into two functional components: a base plate that mounts to the outlet box to cover wires and hold the socket, and a cage portion that protects the lamp. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it covers exposed wires in the outlet box, holds the light socket in place, and provides a mounting surface for the cage portion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the device to protect wires while maintaining mounting flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a lamp guard is designed with a fixed structure, then it can provide stable protection, but it does not allow for easy access and replacement of light fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp guard incorporates a hinged cage portion that can be opened and closed. This dynamic feature allows workers to access and replace lamps easily while the base plate remains stably mounted to the outlet box, maintaining structural stability when closed.
3Reliability
If a lamp guard is designed to be permanently installed, then it can provide continuous protection, but it cannot be reused in different locations or removed for wall finishing
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp guard is installed temporarily during construction to provide preliminary protection of wires and sockets before wall finishing is complete. Its removable design allows it to be taken off when walls are finished and reused in other locations, maintaining reliability during its service period.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of being permanently discarded after single use, the lamp guard is designed to be removed and recovered for reuse in other construction locations, reducing waste and maintaining continuous protection capabilities across multiple sites.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a lamp guard covers the entire outlet box opening, then it can protect exposed wires, but it prevents access to the socket for installing temporary or permanent light fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp guard segments the outlet box opening into a covered perimeter area (protecting wires) and an accessible central area (allowing socket access). The cage portion can be opened to access the socket while the base plate remains in place to protect exposed wires around the perimeter.
Data Source
AI summary
A light guard that includes a planar base plate having a center hole sized to permit the passage of a light socket and opposing side slots disposed substantially 180 degrees apart from one another, the base plate having an outer circumference sized substantially the same as the outer dimension of a selected electrical outlet box. The base plate also includes a keyhole slot proximate said outer circumference of the base plate and a transverse slot proximate the outer circumference of the base plate, each of the slots sized to accommodate screws for securing and mounting the base plate onto an outlet box or a plaster ring mounted on the outlet box. Spokes of substantially equal length extend from the base plate, and at least two rings connect the spokes to form a light bulb cage with an open bottom end, thereby providing free access to an installed light bulb.